Stopper-top and method of making the same



Feb. 28,` 1933. w-J. FLETCHER 1,899,411

' s'roPPER To? AND METHOD oF 4NMKING THE: SAME Filed March 2o, 195o e sheets-sheet 1 vwamtoz ML75/ d. FLETCHER Feb. 28, 1933. .w 1 FLETCHER v 1,899,411`

AKING. THE SAME l .,UFI lm ,I l 1 t l M "W" www MM W www www W www I has. A Y y Feb. 28,- 1933. w. J. FLETCHERA .1,899,411

s'rorrzn To? AND METHOD oF MAKING THE sm'" Filed Maron 2o, 1930 6- sheets-s'heet :s

FIGJS.

vwamtoz i WALTER J. FLfTC/ff/ 171213.28,` 1933.` w, J, FLETCHER v 1,899,411

s'roPPxm` l1:01 AND METHOD oF MAKING THE "SAME Filed `llleu'rsh 20, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Feb. 28, 1933. w. J. FLETCHER 1,899,411

STOPPEKTOP AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Filed March 20, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Plaze Flan FIG.2B.

FIC-3.30.l

` Snom/woz '-h mmf/f .1. FLETCHER Feb. 28, 1933. w. J. FLETCHER 1,899,411'

1 s'rrrn 'fof' AND METHOD oF MAKING Tm; SAME Filed March 20, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Placas; l-'ussh` l' 'Y lllll [I A wuenoz WALTER i FLETCHER Patented Feb. 28 1933 UNITI-:o sr'xrav'rasl PATENTl OFFICE WALTER J. FLETCHER, OFALBANY, NEW YORK, V.ASSIGNOR T THE EMBOSSING COMPANY, OF ALBANY., NEW YORK, A. CORPORATION 0F NEW YORK STOPPER-TOP AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Application filed March 20,1930. Serial No. 437,330.

radially and endwise of the grain, difficulty has been encountered in some cases in producmg tops whlch are uniformly sound, free l from even incipient cracks or fissures, possessing adequate mechanical strength, and of perfect finish or design.l 'Thus in making thin tops of large area, as for example thin tops of oblong or domino shape in plan, and tops in which the fibers must be greatly distorted or displaced, as is necessary in producing a cameo design of high relief, or thick dome-shaped tops, or' tops with rounded edges, the stresses to which the blanks are subjected in undergoing the compression and extensive molding required to shape them to the configuration of ythe face-dies often eX- ceed the cohesion or adhesion of the fibres of A the wood at one point or another in the blanks, sometimes at a number of points, with the result that' the tops come out of the dies distorted or cracked or internally weakened or defective in finish or design, or otherwise imperfect. The shaping of the face or faces ofthe vblank is effected by upper and lower dies, and the initial compression of the blank radially is most, convenientlyl effected by` pushing the blank into a tubular die or diehole of less-cross-sectional area. lVhen the blank is pushed 0r advanced in the die-hole by one of theface-dies the tendency to pro/- duce the defects noted is `much greater; but

Y becauselof the fact that the compression and shaping take place entirely out of sight (inside of the diefhole) the causes of the defects cannot be determined by observingwhat hap- 0 pens, and when, as the blanks pass'down the die-hole and are subjected to the endwise v ,compression ofthe face-die or dies.

It is, therefore, among the objects of the invention to produce sound stopper-tops ofV 5 the character described and a method of manufacturing the same by which such stoppertops may be producedwithout the defects a1- luded to.

Another object of my inventionis to provide Woodenl stopper-tops having designs in` relief which are producible by intaglios on their obverse sides and impression for seating the heads of Stoppers on their reverse sides, and a novel method of making the same. Another object of my invention is to provide an improved hardened stopper-top and a method for fabricating the same by which it is possible to carry the pressure operative upon a. wooden blank to such a degree as to cause the matting and the compacting of the material of the blank throughout its volume and in such regions as to cause the production of `barrierswhereby the inceptionand propagation of cracks is prevented and the strength of the finished product is greatly strength in blank form.

Another object of my invention is to provide a simple and efficient method of making improved stopper-tops which enables the manufacture of stopper-tops in quantity and with unfailing soundness and accuracy. To these and other ends the invention consists in the novel articles of manufacture and method and apparatus for making the-same hereinafter described@ As a result lof prolonged study and experimentation I have found that the difficulties described can be overcome by correlating the face-dies in respect to the configuration of the faces thereof, in such manner that as the blank enters the converging orifice of the diehole and vis advanced therein the pressure on the VIcentral' portions ofthe blank is balanced by the pressure on the outer portions and that as the blank is compressed between the facedies the shaping of the blank to the configuration of the die-faces isprogressive from the outer portions of the blank inwardly.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown several illustrative types of stoppertops which embodythe principles of the pres ent invention, and certain parts of a convenient and suitable apparatus for practicing preferred apparatus for making my improved stopper-tops.

Fig. 2 is a section on line 2-2 of Fig. 1 with the lower die partly broken away, and including an upper die.

Fig. 3 is a section on line 3-3 of Fig. 1 with the lower die partly broken away, and including the upper die.

Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7, are respectively, the plan and bottom view and elevations of an oblong blankof a comparatively large size.

Figs. 8 and 9 are, respectively, the obverse and reverse of a stopper-top made from the oblong blak illustrated in Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7; and Figs. 10 and 11 are, respectively, longitudinal and lateral central cross-sections of the stopper-top illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 on lines 10--10 and 11-11, respectively, in Fig. 8.

Figs. 12 and 13 are, respectively, the ob-l verse and reverse of a stopper-top of modified size and form; and Figs. 14 and 15 are, respectively, longitudinal and lateral central cross-sections of the stopper-top illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13 on lines 14-14 and 15-15, respectively, in Fig. 12.

Figs. 16 and 17 are, respectively, the obverse and reverse of a small and deep oblong stopper-top; and Figs. 18 and 19, respectively, are longitudinal and lateral central crosssections of the stopper-tops illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17 on lines 18-18 and 19-19, respectively, in Fig. 16.

Figs. 20 and 21 are, respectively, the obverse and reverse of a large square forni of stopper-top; and Fig. 22 is a central crosssection of the stopper-top illustrated in Figs.

20 and 21 on line 22--22 in Fig. 20.

Figs. 23 and 24 are, respectively, the obverse and reverse of a small square form of stopper-top; and 25 is a central crosssection of the stopper-top of Figs. 23 and 24 on line 25--25 in` Fig.l23.

Figs. 26 and 27 are, respectively, opposite sides of a large and thin blank or disk; and Fig. 28 is an elevation of the disk illustrated l in Figs. 26 and 27.

Figs. 29 and 30 are, respectively, the` obverse and reverse of a stopper-top made from the blank or disk illustrated in Figs.' 26, 27 and 28; and Fig. 31 is a central cross-section of the stopper-top of Figs. 29 and 30 on line 31-31 in Fig. 29.r

Figs. `32 and 33 are, respectively, the obverse and reverse of a smaller wafer-like form of stopper-top; and Fig. 34 is a central crosssection of the stopper-top illustrated in Figs. 32 and 33 on line 34-34 in Fig. 32.

Figs. 35 and 36 are, respectively, the obverse and reverse of a modiied form of' stopper-top having a high relief and clearly defined letters thereon; and Fig. 37 is a central cross-section of the stopper-top illustrated in Figs. 35 and 36 on line 37--37 in Fig..35.

Figs. 38, 39 and 40 pictorially illustrate a blank and different instantaneous states i of compression of a stopper-top in the process of manufacture; and Fig. 41 illustrates, parti ly in section, the dome-shaped stopper-top made from the blank of Fig. 38. l

Figs. 42 and 43 are, respectively, the obverse and reverse of the stopper-top illustrated in Fig. 41.

The blanks from which the stopper-tops are made are cut from straight grained wood, and it is only desirable that the wood be properly selected, of good quality and well seasoned. I have obtained the best results with maple and beech, but woods having similar properties as these woods may be used. The stick or bar of'wood from which the blanks are cut should be of the same crosssection throughout its length in order that blanks cut therefrom may be of substantially thesame cross-sectional area. Whether the cross-section of a bar or. stick be circular or .rectangular is dependent-upon the shape of "blanks for some of which were cut/from sticks having rectangular cross-sections and for others of which the blanks were cut from sticks having circular cross-sections, the

:sticks varying in size depending upon the form which the stopper-top is to take. All of the blanks are slices cut crosswise of the grain of the wood with the grain running along the narrowest dimension ofthe blanks.

So `far as the manufacturing operations concerned the blanks may be placed between the dies as cut from a plain stick, but if, for any reason such as for producing a particular finish. it is desirable that the blanks be stained or impregnated with such fillers as shellac or paraflin before the embossin operation takes place, such rocedure is permissible without departing' rom the method disclosed herein or affecting the productionJof the' stopper-tops .of this invention. Also', the blanks may be stained, dyed or colored with suitable stain or pigmentv if a finish other than natural Wood is desired. However, I have found that for many cases fancy tops which are to be used for cologne bottles and for other bottleshaving ornamental uses, it is f frequently desired that such stopper-tops be colored with some bright color such as blue,

rose, or gold; Y For such uses, I have found it desirable to make the stopper-tops by embossing them in their natural state and then subsequentlyapplying a finish such as colored ]a an or lacquer. Then again, it may be del' .sirable to Waterproof the blanks and in that event some Waterproofing material such as a suitable wax may be impregnated Within the blank before the blank is embossed.

The apparatus shown in Figs. 1 and 2 com cross-sectional area of this* die-holeY is of less area than the area of the blank which is to be formed into a` stopper-top. In the interest of simplicity and clarity of disclosure I have illustrated in Figs. 1,- 2 and 3 a die-hole and opposite dies which are suitable for themanufacture of the stopper-top illustrated in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 from the blank illustrated in Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7. It should be understood that similar arrangements with appropriate dies may be used for the production of other forms of stoppertops of my invention, someof which'have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The die-hole of Figs. 1, 2 and 3 is rectangular, has rounded corners and has a converging mouth 52` which facilities the entry of the blank therein. Its principal lfunction-however, is to cooperate in the application of lateral or radial compression. 'Ihe slope of the converging mouth of the die-hole is such as to cause the lateral com pression of the blank to be applied ata suficiently gradual rate to eliminate the element of shock or excessive strain. This feature of design will be referred to hereinafter.

The blanks are'fed intermittently to the table from a chute 53 and a reciprocating pusher 54 is provi-ded for moving successive blanks to the arms of a gripper 55 comprising a pair of spring-pressed jaws straddling the die-hole 51. The inward movement of the pusher is of such extent as tcleave the blank directly over and coaxial with the aforesaid die-hole 51 in which position it is held by the gripper- The longitudinal rib 56 may be provided on the plate to guide the blank in its movement toward the gripper jaws. As the pusher moves in, it advances the first blank indicated at 57'. Upon its retract-ion the next blank moves into position against the rib. lVith a blank 58 in position over the diehole 51` the upper or cameo-die 59 descends Y' and forces the blank down into the die-hole and compresses the blank powerfully upon the lower die 60 which has an intaglio'engraving 61 upon its embossing surface. The inner surface (or surfaces) of the die-hole, which is made of material of suitable hardness and durability, such as hardened steel, is highly polished and provides a smooth finish for the edges of the stopper-tops, whereas the embossing areas of the upper and lower dies, which are likewise made of suitable material, are cut so as to' give' the.

desired impressions and reliefs in the finish desired.

The first compression which is applied to the blank occurs as the blank is forced into the converging mouth of the die-hole 51 and it is readily appreciated that the degree of com ression produced is dependent upon the di erence in areas of the sizeof the blankV and the cross-sectional area of the die-hole. In order to produce a sound stopper-top hav ing a relief and decorative obverse formed converging mouth 52 of the die-hole 51 should extend al1-appreciable dist-ance before vanishing int-'o the wall of the die-hole.

My investigation has indicated that the initial compression applied to the blank as itis forced by the upper die through the vconverging mouth is of a complex nature involving lateral or radial compression as Well as some endwise or axial compression. While the nature of the compression applied is probably variable with different forms of blanks, consideration must be given tothe balancing of pressures within the blanks in order to avoid excessive shearing stresses as the blank is entering the die-hole. Probably the maximum limit for such stresseswhich may not be exceeded, is less for wafer-like blanks t-han for thicker blanks. The upper die is the force providing element by which the Ablank is forced within the die-hole'and laterally compressed, and it is necessary that suit-able and proper support be provided. the blank as the upper die acts upon the blank while forcing it into the die-hole.

' Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 elevation62 in the upper die -59, which produces the recess for receiving thel stopper, comes into contact with the upper surface of the blank prior to the base finishing area 63 of the upper die. Therefore, in order to properly support the blank as it is being introduced within the die-hole provision is made for protecting the blank from stresses which would otherwise causecracking or excessive flexing accompanied by internal strains. Elevations 64 and 65 are provided for this purppse and for the purpose of causing proper dlstribution of the material of the blank when the relief on the obverse side of the blank is being impressed by the intaglio p 61. The dies illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 are the dies by which the stopper-top illustrated in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 may be embossed, and it should be observed that for this .form and configuration of stopper-top elevations 64 and 65 extend above surf-ace 63 a greater distance than the central elevation 62. Elevations 64 and 65 strike-the upper surface of the blank first with the'.result that a slight longitudinal variation in the blank takes place. Also, because the converging mouth of the die-hole exerts a vertical component of force, the fibers' contactedby and in the vicinity of elevations 64 and 65 undergo an endwise compression as well as lateral compresdistribution of forces throughout the blank as it is Ibeing forced through the converging mouth of the-die-hole.- Although particular reference has been made to the purpose and design of the elevations or cameo-dies which are used for Lproducing the impressions in the reverse side of the stopper-top of Figs. 8,9, 10 and 11, elevations having corresponding characteristics, though in varying degrees, are used for effecting similarresults in connection with the production of other forms of stopper-tops.

Elevations 64 and 65, or thosecorrespondingthereto, mustl also be of such height and proportion with respect toelevation 62 as to produce the proper displacement of material without permitting cracking or the occurrence Aof internal weaknesses when the obverse side of the stopper-top is embossed. For example, the production of a stoppertop having a high relief, such as any one of those shown in Figs. 18, 37 and 4 1, and, in a lesser degree perhaps, in theV production of stopper-,tops illustrated in Figs. 31y and 34 Jrequire especial consideration of this aspect of the problem. Some of-the many `forms of stopper-tops which may be made/fin. accordance with the principles of this invention have been illustrated, and while their generaly proportions and shapes vary considerably, the criteria set forth herein are applicable to themethod of producing in one operation anembossed stopper-top consisting of a piece of wood having a relief on one side formed by an intaglio and impressions on its other side.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 10 and 11, it should be noted that the relief which is formed by the intaglio'extends above the border which meets the vertical edges of the stopper-top in plane a-a and that the material of the Wood has been compacted in the vicinity of' the border as well as within the border. The material forming the crest at b has beendisplaced a considerable amount in the direction ofthe grain of the Wood, but ilci'pient cracks have beeniobviated as a result of the matting together of the fibers.

The stopper-topy shown in Figs. 18 and 19 has a high relief throughout a large area .and this relief is produced by an intaglio which is complementary to the cameo extending above the plane identified as c-c,

Similarly, as for the obverse of the stoppertops of Figs. 10 and 11 and of Figs. 14 and 15, the direction of the fibers Wit-hin the area (d-d)-(e-e), Fig. 16, are distorted and matted by compression while the fibers within and adjacent the rounded bordering area above plane c-c, Figs. 18 and 19, are compacted and displaced from their original positions a considerable amount. As in other stopper-tops made in accordance with this invention, the distortion of the bers and the distribution of the material for producing a sound stopper-top is dependent upon the relation of the opposite dies.

The stopper-top shoivn in Fig. 22 has a convex cameo above the plane -f and the figuring thereon is in high relief. In the manufacture of this stopper-top as Well as in the manufacture ofthe stopper-top of Fig. 25, the upper die, in addition 'to having a cameo-die for forming the stopper recess 66,

has a single cameo-die in place of the tivo cameo-dies 64, 64 (Fig. 2) for supporting the blank and for distributing the material thereof as required for strength and for producing the design. By such cameo-dies impression 67, Fig. 21, and impression 68, Fig. 24, are formed. f

The (figures in the relief of the stopper-top of Fig. 25 are not as bold as those of the stopper-top of Fig. 22, but, as is Well shown in Fig. 25, the counter-sunk area 68 on the vreverse side 1s made to extend to Within the same dlstance of each ledge even though the diameter of the recess 69 is nearly as large as the lateral dimension of area 68. The corners of the square areas of the blanks are supported when the blank is forced into the die-hole and a border of substantially uniform hardness and strength is produced.

For producing the stopper-tops of Figs. 31 and 34 the intaglios are countersunk to include all of the areas above planes g-g and L-h, respectively. It will be noted that the intaglios distort the fibers at the edge so as to make rounded edges, and that While the relief is being embossed the reverse side of the blanks are slipported by cameo-dies which bear upon and form surfaces 70, 71, of the respective stopper-tops.

The relief of the stopper-top of Fig. 37 extends to plane i and the double shoulders T2 and 73 are formed and reinforced as the fibers constituting the same are being compressed as the result of the coaction of the intaglio and the cameo-dies. The intaglio embosses the shoulders and high relief While the cameo-dies form impressions 7 4. 75.

The relief of the dome-shaped stoppertopfshoivn in Fig. 41, as formed by an intaglio, extends above'plane ,fi-7'. In Figs. 39 and 40 I have illustrated instantaneous conditions existing during the embossing of the dome-shaped stopper-top. It is apparent that as the dome is being embossed concentric circles of shear which start at the edge c-: advance toward the axis of the dome. The location of two such circles of shear are generally designated as L-Z in Fig. 39 and as Z-Z in4 Fig. 40. The tremendous lateral as well as axial pressure exerted by the in'- taglio in cooperation with the cameo-die gradually distorts and compresses the fibers so as to mat together thematerial into a hardened stress resisting mass as the embossing operation proceeds with the result that cracks may not, be `propagated therethrough.

of bers which takes place, heat is generated and possibly the destruction of the cellulose structure of the wood is accompanied with a redistribution of the pitchy and resinous substances of the wood with the result that the fibers are bonded together into a hardened compacted mass of the form desired. It should be clear that the number of forms of stopper-tops embodying the principles of the present invention are extensive and that those illustrated have been selected merely as representative of the general class of stopper-tops which may bel manufactured with an undertanding of the principle which I have set forth herein.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, the lower die 60 is firmly seated upon the lower surface of the die-hole 51 and it need not be moved until lafter the stopper-top has been formed followingthe final movement of the upper-die 59. AThe stopper-top is embossed in one operation and after the upper die 59 has reached f its lowest point of descent both dies rise, the lower die just far enough to carry the nished top above the plate 50 and into engagement with the gripper 55 by which it is held as the lower die'descends to its original position at the lower portion of the. diehole 51. The pusher then-advances another blank which latter `pushes the finished 'top forward fromits position over the mouth of the dieehole. As the operation proceeds the finished tops fall over the forward edge 77 ofthe plate or table into a suitable receptacle, not shown.` l

In order to give the utmost'security of attachment of the top tothe cork'or other stopper the recess formed in the reverse side may have its surface pitted or provided with a plurality of. small pits or recesses as indicated, forK example, at 78 in Figs. 9, 13 and 17. The. glue or other adhesive used 4to aiix the stopper to the stopper-top penetrates,

into the recesses 78 and numerous lugs or dowels, so to speak, are formed thereby which efectually resist the shearing stress incident 'to the removal of a stopper from a bottle. While the useof pits results in an important economy in the saving of the amount of lglue used, it is apparent that if it is desired the In view of the distortion and compacting pits need not be formed. In any event the idea of using its forms no part of the present invention utmay be availed of.

For the purpose of disclosing the invention I have illustrated certain parts of a convenient and suitable apparatus in which the intaglio and cameo-die are referred to as the lower and upper dies respectively, and in which the upper die moves toward the lower die during an embossing operation, but I wish it to be understood, however, that the relative positions of the dies may be varied in that the cameo-die can be so arranged as to move upwardly or in any other direction in order to enter the die-hole, and that the invention is not limited to the details herein specifically described, but can ybe practiced in other Ways without departure from its spirit as defined by the following claims.

What I claim is: -l. 'The method of making wooden stoppertops comprising, forming a wood-blank having obverse and reverse surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the grain of the wood and having a periphery consisting of a. surface substantially perpendicular to the obverse and reverse surfaces, compressing said blank laterallycby forcing it into a die-hole in a direction axial of the grain of the blank, said blank being forced into the die-hole by a cameo-diehaving elevations for embossing a Vdesired impression on the reverse surface of the blank and rfor suitably supporting the blank adjacent the walls of the die-hole so as to prevent cracking thereof when the blank is being laterally compressed, and embossing the obverse surface of the blank with a die cut in intaglio for producing a relief design' as the reverse surface is being embossed.`

2. The method of making stopper-tops comprising, forming a wood-blank having upper and lower surfaces which are substan-` tially parallel to each other and perpendicu-` lar to the grain of the wood and having uniform cross-sections at all distances between the upper and lower surfaces, forcing the blank into a diei-hole by a cameo-die bearing upon its upper surface, said cameo-die having elevations for embossing a desired im ression on the upper surface and for suit-a ly supporting the blank adjacent the walls of the die-hole so as to revent cracking thereof when the blank is being forced into the diehole by the movement of the cameo-die, and forcing the lower surface of the blank into contact with an intaglio for producing a relief design on the lower surface at the same time that the cameo-die is embossing the upper surface.

3. The method of making stopper-tops comprising, forming a wood-blank having upper and lower surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the grain of the wood and having uniform cross-sections at different distances between the upper and lower surfaces, forcing said blank into a die-hole in a direction axial of the grain of the blank for compressing the grain of the blank laterally, saidblank beingY forced into the die-hole by a die having elevations for embossing desired impressions on the upper surface of the blank, at least one of which elevations isy near the edge of the blank for supporting the blank as it is forced into the diehole, and embossing the lower surface of the blankwith a relief design while the upper surface of the blank is being embossed withimpressions. t

4. (The method of making stopper-tops having upper and lower surfaces which vare substantially perpendicular to the grain of the-wood comprising, forming a wood-blank having upper and lower surfaces of substantially equal' areas, vforcin said blank into a die-hole of less cross-sectional-area than the area of the upper surface or lower surface of the blank whereby the grain of the wood is compressed laterally, said blank beingforced into the die-hole by a die having a central elevation and atleast one elevation between the central elevation and the edge ofthe blankfor supporting the blank so as to prevent cracking ythereof .when being forced -int'o the die-hole, and concurrently embossing the upper surface of the blank with impressions and the lower surface of the blank in relief by axially compressino the blank without causing shearing or cracking thereof.

5. The4 method of making stopper-tops comprising, forming a wood-blank having equal rectangular upper and lower surfaces perpendicular to the grain of the wood and greater in area than the remaining surface area of the blank, forcing said blank into a die-hole in a direction axial of thegrain of l the blankl for compressing the grain of the blank laterally, said blank being forced into the die-hole'by a die having elevations for embossing desired. impressions on the upper surface of the blank, one of said impressions v. being to seat astopper and other `of said impressions Ibeing formed b cameos for supporting the blank asit is orced into the diehole, and embossing'the lower surface of the blank with a relief design while the upper surface of the blank is being embossed with impressions. l .pg

6. The method of making stopper-tops comprising,O forming a wood-disk having upper and lower surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the grain of the wood, fgrcing said disk into a die-hole of less cross-sectional area than the area of the disk whereby the grain of the wood and the disk is compressed radially, said disk being forced into the die-hole by a cameo-die havinga central elevation and Lees-,411

ing the disk so as toprevent cracking thereof wooden article which comprises laterally compressing av wooden blank and simultaneously axially compressing'the blank ladjacent its periphery while leaving the blank comparatively free at central portions of the opposite sides which ,areV subsequently to be axially compressed over their entire areas,

and subsequently further compressing the entireblank axially.

-8. As a new article of manufacture, a stopper-top consisting of apiece of wood whose ain runs with the smallest dimension and W ich is compressed laterally of the grain and endwise of the grain and possesses configurations imparted byopposite dies, which configurations are embossed intaglio on one side and cameo on the other side.

9. As a new article of manufacture, a stopper-top consisting of a disk of wood compressed axially and radiall and possessing on opppsite sides configurations imparted by intaglio and cameo dies by such compression.y v

10. As a new article of manufacture, a stopper-top consisting'of a piece of. wood compressed to a` volume less than its original blank size, said stoppertop having been compressed'endwise of the grain and having embossed on its reverse side a\central impression forseating'a stopper and impressions near its edge, and 'on its obverse side a design 1n reliefv produced by an intaglio.

11. As a new article of manufacture, a rectangular wooden stopper-top com resse'l to a volume less than its original blan size and having an impression on its reverse side for receiving a stopper and impressions at the sides of said central impresslon and near the edges of the stopper-top, said stopper-top having a cameo design on its obverse side.

12. As a new article of manufacture, an oblong wooden stopper-top compressed laterally a-nd axially and possessing configurations imparted by opposite dies, which configura tions comprise ornamental vrelief on one side and a central impression and impressions at opposite ends of the stopper-top on the re-v verse side.

13. As a new article of manufacture, a wood stopper-top compressed to a volume less than its original blank size, said top having a cross-section curvilinear in outline and having on the reverse side a central impression for receiving a stopper and curvilinear im-A pression near the edge, the obverse side of the stopper-top being of a relief design.

14. As a new article of manufacture, a rectangular wooden stopper-top compressed latnature.

verse side and the reverse side of the stopperf erally and axially and possessing congurations imparted'pby'opposite dies, which configurations comprise ornamental relief on one side and a central impression and a separate impression .surrounding the .central impression on the reverse side. v

15. As a new article of manufacture, a wooden stopper-top having its fibres compacted by lateral and axial compression and the end-grain surfaces finished as 4 the obtop, the obverse side comprising a sur ace in relief `above `the peripheral edge of the stopper-top, and the reverse' side comprismg a recess for receiving a cork, a borderlfor sald recess, andan area outside of thearea of theborder and impressed below the top of the border.

16.. As a newfarticle of manufacture,a wooden stopper-top compressed laterally and axially, said stopper top having for its obverse side a surface in,L relief above the peripheral edge of the stopper-top and havin on its reverse side a cork-receiving impression and one or more impressions spaced from said cork-receiving impression.

17. As a new artlcle of manufacture, an

l oblong stopper-top having on its obverse side a surface in relief rounding into the peripheral .edge of the stopper-top and having on its reverse side a central impression and impressions on opposite sides of the central impresslon.

1 8. As an article ofananufacture, a wooden stopper-top having on its obverse side a surface in relief rounding into the peripheral edge' of the stopper-top and having on its reverse side a cork-receiving impression, and one or more impressions spaced from said cork-receiving impression. 7 A

In testimony whereof I hereto aflix my sig- 4WALTER J.; FLETCHER; 

